One Twitter user said he was "glad" the fire was happening in Alberta before apologizing for his remark later. His employer later confirmed on Facebook that he has been suspended without pay, and his salary will be donated to the Red Cross instead.

Others, while not directly laying blame, were quick to point to climate change as the fire's cause — a controversial statement given the province's economic reliance on its oil industry.

Another researcher noted that wildfires are complex, and pointed to a number of conditions — including a dry winter and lack of green vegetation— may been contributing factors.

Regardless of what caused the disaster, Fort McMurray residents are suffering, having lost homes, pets and belongings to the blaze. Many Canadians have been quick to step up instead of choosing to lay accusations.

The Canadian Red Cross announced Thursday that $11 million had already been raised for Alberta fire relief.